Obituary of Joannes Gerardus "Big John" Gansevles

"Big John" - Joannes Gerardus Gansevles was born July 10, 1935 in Putten, Holland to Cornelius Gansevles and Anna Wolbert. John arrived in Canada in April 1951 with his parents and siblings. The family started their new lives in and around Stratford, Ontario where most still reside. Big John being the restless one, made his way out to the wild west in 1956 and worked for a farmer. Big John went back and forth from Alberta to Ontario, before settling for a little while in Berwyn, Alberta. During his tenure in Berwyn, he was a shop foreman for International Dealer. In 1964, Big John met and married his first wife Edna Campbell from Fairview, Alberta. From Fairview they settled in Chetwynd where John worked at Canfor. Together they had 3 wonderful children, Donna (Ron), John Jr., and Patricia (Greg). Between them he has 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. His second marriage, Big John met Bertha Gladue. Together they had a son, Roland Gansevles(Carmen) and together they have two children. Big John and Bertha moved from Chetwynd to Mackenzie, B.C. in 1973 where he had worked many years in the logging industry as a Supervisor. In 1979, he was in a serious burn accident that changed the course of his life's compass. Big John came back from this setback stronger, and more stubborn than ever. After his time in Mackenzie, he resided and worked various construction jobs throughout the Peace River area. Big John wasn't into physical sports, he preferred and enjoyed more leisurely activities like smoking his cigarettes watching television, and driving countless hours from B.C. to Ontario in his big Cadillac listening to his favorite country singer George Jones. I should also make special mention of Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty and Charlie Pride. He would listen to these singers on his out dated, eight track tapes. In his lifetime Big John had such a cheerful and invigorating presence that it was easy to forget about the ups and downs of life. Big John had lived large, fast and hard. Big John passed away on Monday, July 16, 2012 in Beaverlodge, Alberta at the age of 74 years. John was predeceased by his parents Cornelius and Johanna Gansevles, his sister Christina Dewettering, his brothers Hank Gansevles, Henry Gladue and Tiger Gladue. John is survived by his wife Bertha, his daughter Donna Gansevles(Ron Didow), his son John Gansevles, his daughter Patricia Gansevles(Greg Riendeau, his son Roland Gansevles (Carmen), his grandchildren; Cody Moulds(Allie), Dylan Moulds, Cassie Moulds, Devon Moulds, Jessica Peterson, Chase Riendeau, Dani Riendeau, Kaylin Gansevles, Kase Gansevles, his great grandchildren Grayson Moulds and Ryley Peterson, his sisters; Anne Boerson(Tony), Betsy Crowley(Frank), Gerta Dewettering (Leo), Mary Van Hezewijk (Al), and his brothers; Case Gansevles (Irene), Leonard (Marg) Lake, Philip (Betty) Gladue, Frank (Della) Gladue, Bill (Blanche) Gladue, Marie (Gordon) Desjarlais, sister-in-law Shirley Gladue, Danny Gladue (Jill), Martha (Gerald) Deschner, Nora Gladue (Glenn), as well as numerous nieces nephews and friends. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of John to the Canadian Cancer Society 1000-105 Ave, Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 2L4 Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium Funeral Service 11:00 am Saturday, July 21, 2012 Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church 11501 17 St Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada Fr. Vener Sabocan officiated. Interment followed in the Tuscoola Mountain Cemetery